Alpine Marmot
The alpine marmots most prevalent adaptation is their ability to hibernate, as it would be virtually impossible for them to survive the extreme weather, as this imposes server constraints on animals living on the Austrian Alps. The hibernation period lasts for approximately 200 days, from October to early April, but this may vary, depending on weather conditions. They retreat to their deep burrows and make their way through two phases of hibernation. The Hypothermia phase (sleeping) and the Euthermia phase (recovery). During the hypothermia phase, the marmots Temperature can drop from 38 degrees to just 5 and reduce heart rate from 180 beats per minute to just 28 beats. During the hibernation stage, all members of the family retreat to their burrow, up to 25 per burrow. This is another energy saving initiative, as they can draw on heat from other marmots, and their straw lined burrow for heat, therefore reducing energy costs. European Red Fox The most important adaption of the European Red fox is its advanced thermoregulation. It is covered in short dense fur, that covers almost all of its body. It acts and a insulator against extreme cold, especially protecting the face. Their long snout and nose allows the head to cool when the body temperature is too high, but also maintains heat well, when needed. Glory of the snow This small flowering plant has adapted to open its bud during times of warmer weather, and close during extreme cold and darkness. This allows the flowering time of the plant to increase, can it is not at all effected by the harshest conditions put forward by the alpine region. Being able to withstand such low temperatures also gives it the ability to survive even after being covered in snow, as long as it serves some warmth, the plant will bloom. Antifreeze Proteins - Spruce Budworm Moth These are produced by particular plants, fungi, animals and bacteria to allow them to survive. These proteins attach themselves to water crystals to restrict their ability to recrystallise and grow larger in size and threaten the organism in which they form on. These proteins can lower freezing temp buy up to 7 degrees Celsius. The moth in particular, is considered a 'pest' in North America and Europe, as it survives too well in the harsh conditions, by using its ability to counteract the extreme weather and snow. |